Influence

It was amazing to watch people yesterday at church. There was loud singing, a lot of chatter, people stuck around afterwards. I think it was clear that everyone was really upbeat, slightly excitied and definately thankfully to finally meet Mark.

On Friday night our new youth pastor arrived from Canada. His name is Mark Moore and his girlfriend Sarah has moved here with him. For most people at church they hadn't seen him or really even heard a whole lot about him. Everyone was really riding on what the Elders had found out about him and the conversations they'd had with him. Kind of a bizarre situation. Guy takes job at church he's never been to, with people he has never met, in a country he's never been to. Not to mention us hiring him sight unseeen.
In saying this, and acknowledging the certain amount of risk involved on each side, he seems like a great guy. First impressions do count for a lot and his was a good one.

It was intersting to see how in his coming alone he inspired things to happen. 18+ Reunion BBQ's for a start! It was nice to have everyone together for dinner and it did give them a chance to meet some peers, people they'll become great friends with I'm sure. But at the same time I'm a little worried that the random gathering together of people will give him and Sarah a false impression of the people who are around and that he will see regularly.

But no matter what, this guy seems keen as to get into everything. He is enthusiastic, loves people and loves God. The kids are going to love him and it's obvious that he is the sort of guy that will draw a crowd no matter where he goes. I was so happy to hear one of the girls from youth group exclaim after meeting him, "Far, I love our new youth pastor, he is so cool!" Our kids deserve to have this investment made into them. It was the best move hiring him. I know that he is going to do amazing things for the Lord while he is here whether it be only a year, or longer. (Hopefully longer!!)

Meeting him and Sarah suddenly makes leaving a bit harder. I'm excited to work with him over the next couple of months, but it is honestly a shame that it isn't longer.